Barely 30 seconds had been played when Delap got away from Archie Gray and tested Guglielmo Vicario, who parried away and while Jaden Philogene was first to the loose ball, his shot hit team-mate Hutchinson on the line and offside was given to ensure the visitors survived.
David Johnson had been prolific at Portman Road across a four-year spell and his son Brennan followed in his footsteps with two quickfire goals in Suffolk to set Spurs on course for a third straight Premier League win.
Maddison’s every touch was heavily booed given his past links to Norwich, but he had the last laugh when he twinkle-toed past two opponents to set up Spence for Spurs’ third in the 77th minute.
Spurs needed to improve and they duly did, with a fine run by Son Heung-min setting up a chance for Lucas Bergvall – but Dara O’Shea blocked and Jacob Greaves hooked away before Johnson could pounce.
Rodrigo Bentancur released Son on this occasion and the Tottenham captain cut inside before teeing up Johnson to slot home his 14th goal of the season.